Nov 21, 2009 (The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review - McClatchy-Tribune Information Services via COMTEX News Network) --

Aluminum producer Alcoa Inc. said it will temporarily idle production at its two smelters in Italy, affecting about 2,000 workers, after a decision by the European Union left the company's ability to secure electricity for the plants at low rates uncertain. Italy for 10 years gave energy-intensive industries a break on power prices. The tariff was approved by the European Commission in 1995, when Alcoa purchased the smelters. But the EU ruled that Italy's extension of electricity subsidies after 2005 did not comply with regulations, and is demanding that Alcoa repay those benefits to the state.

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